Getting arrested can be quite something. One minute you are chilling, the next you are smack in the middle of a justice tornado.
“In this moment, you have no idea what is even going on, let alone what is coming next. Bail is the big one because the first thing on your mind will be how to get out of that holding cell before your court date rolls around,” says Florida criminal defense lawyer Douglas I. Leifert of Leifert & Leifert.
With bail, the judge determines the amount, and it is not always loose change. At times, they are enormously high amounts depending on the circumstances.
Understanding the fundamentals will save you a whole heap of stress, so tune into this article to learn the basics of bail.
How Bail Amounts are Determined
Bail is not some random number that judges pluck out of a hat. You can actually compute it. Considering the individual’s actions, their behavior, and whether they have a history of similar incidents. If they have committed a serious crime, the bail is likely to be reasonably high.
For minor things, they go by a set chart. But where there are some significant criminal charges involved, judges do end up possessing quite a bit of wiggle room. It is not quite one-size-fits-all.
The judges are not only concerned about the offense. They also consider the future, like whether the individual is likely to disappear the moment they step out, or whether they are that type of fellow you would not want to encounter in a back alley.
Conditions You Should Obey After a Bail
Just because you are fortunate enough to be let out on bail does not mean you can just do whatever you want. Judges can add a list of what you should not do, such as missing court or engaging in lawbreaking.
They can be specific, too. You can be prohibited from calling some people, leaving the city, or drinking. If it is bad enough, they can put you on a monitor on your ankle.
If you violate any of these conditions, you may end up back in jail and with an even more difficult job of convincing anyone to rerelease you. Not really the second chance you had been hoping for.
How Do You Post Bail Money?
Bail can be very pricey, and scraping the money together can be intimidating. You do, however, have some options that can make it less of a hassle. You can haul the entire amount down yourself, no explanations needed. At times, you can use your home, your car, or whatever other possession as collateral. That, naturally, is dependent on the value of your belongings and whether the judge agrees.
Most people end up calling a bail bondsman. You pay them anywhere around 10% of the bail (one-time), and they cover the rest, but of course, you are obligated to repay.
There are also non-profit and community organizations that can assist, particularly if your situation resonates with the right people. Now, the issue is, do not get frantic; there generally is a way to do it, even by looking for assistance in areas you never thought possible.
Why You Need a Lawyer at Bail
Having a criminal defense lawyer on your team during the bail process is a lifeline. They know the entire process. They can work the system to get your bail reduced or even get you released for free.
A good lawyer will negotiate on your behalf with the judge and work out the terms of the bail so that you do not receive some farcical terms. They will walk you through step by step, ensure you understand, and prevent you from stepping into a technicality by mistake.
Find a lawyer who has a general sense of criminal law and is familiar with the ins and outs of your home courts. Research reviews, ask around, and ensure that they hear you out. A quality lawyer will sort out the crazy and help you get your life back.
